Baby Shoes and Rileyroos

So every now and then I become obsessed with finding the perfect item; whether it be a toy, a coat, a place to vacation, and I research it constantly until I find exactly what I want. The most recent item was a pair of cute baby shoes for Aspen. I wanted something easy for her to learn to walk in that would also protect her little feet - and I found Rileyroos. I bought them from a place in Baltimore called Bediboo.com and Scott happened to be in Baltimore the day after I bought them so I had him pick them up and save on shipping. They were on sale and I found a coupon for 15% off online (so check it out). I think Artichokes and Co. in Salt Lake sells them, but I don't know for sure.

I had to have the pink ones, but when Scott saw the little brown ones, he had to have those.

Aspen is 1!!!

My baby is 1, which is bittersweet for me. I love to see her learn and grow; saying b-bye and hi and testing her balance as her little legs shuffle along behind her walker. She gives hugs and kisses that just warm me from head to toe. She's also mastered what my sister-in-law refers to as "The Flygare Scowl". I have never seen a baby eat like she does. She's a little piggy! She probably eats twice as much as Mercedes does - but Mercedes also seems to survive on air.

But I miss the angelic innocence of the first months. I have thoroughly enjoyed every day with her. I honestly don't remember what happened with Mercedes from 10 - 14 months and I know it's not the same, but getting to enjoy Aspen during this age is so precious. I sharply and painfully remember when I came home from the hospital after shingles, PCP pneumonia and a collapsed lung and tried to pick up Mercedes; she was about 18 months, and she struggled to get out of my arms saying, "No; Mommy hurt, Mommy cry." I hadn't been able to hold her for so long without pain.

I love my girls, they are such a gift.